Canine movie star. Carl Spitz spent many years in Hollywood not only readying dogs for films but also training "Dogs for Defense" during World War II. Among his movie-star pupils was the female Carin terrier who played Dorothy's male dog, Toto, in "The Wizard of Oz." He was the innovator of training animals to react and perform by using silent hand signals to direct the animal. These hand signals were instrumental in directing Toto during the filming of the movie. The dog was one of many in a kennel he maintained in the Hollywood area which also was the site of a school for other trainers. The dog was simply abandoned at Spitz's kennel four years before the movie "The Wizard of Oz" was made and was given the name Terry. Carl was a German immigrant and became a legend in his profession while training many canine stars who ultimately appeared in classic films. His biggest claim to fame was Terry. The little dog made almost a dozen movies in her life with stars such as Shirley Temple and Spencer Tracy. Terry and her trainer made many guest appearances after gaining fame in the movie at community events, fairs and animal shows. The dog died toward the end of World War II and was buried in a pet burial area behind the Spitz's residence and kennel. During the expansion of the Ventura Freeway in Los Angeles, the property was obtained by CalTrans for construction purposes. The facility and the small burial grounds were destroyed. (bio by: Donald Greyfield)